Wire cloth tube forming machine



July 14, 1953 J. J. HARMON, JR

WIRE CLOTH TUBE FORMING MACHINE Filed Dec. 4, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 m wiizkiaflwttiiitizmmjmh m M) fix g \\,\\.////!/M 0777/1? %m mm 9 s w m is Kw NE w H mm mm Rm k E H M E 4 MJ w Q C v m m A g J w Q \m\ m& wk jmvx w \Q W e xx Q & wk wk mw\ \n\ July 14, 1953 .1. J. HARMON, JR

WIRE CLOTH TUBE FORMING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 4, 1950 awWax A J a? 0 1 T v N E Q o f. N 2 5 E M J Patented July 14, 1953 WIRECLOTH TUBE FORMING MACHINE James J. Harmon, Jr., Clayton, Mo.,'assignorto Ludlow-Saylor Wire 00., St. Louis, Mo., a cor-.

poration of Missouri Application December 4, 1950, Serial No. 199,069

16 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to machines for forming wirecloth, and more particularly to a novel machine by which wire cloth isautomatically formed into seam-welded tubes of predetermined length anddiameter.

In brief, the present novel wire cloth tube forming machine includesmechanism for receiving a continuous strip of wire cloth, forming itinto a continuous tube, seam-welding the tube thus formed and severingthe thus formed and welded tube into segments of predetermined lengths.Actuating and correlating electrical and pneumatic equipment forms partof the present machine. The machine cooperates with a spot welder ofwell known type in the welding operation and attains a high speed ofproduction of welded tube segments.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel automaticmachine which functions to transform a continuous strip of wire clothinto a continuous wire cloth tube at a high rate of speed.

Another object is to provide a novel automatic machine for producingwire cloth tubes of predetermined length and diameter at a high rate ofspeed.

Another object is to provide a novel wire cloth tube forming machinewhich is adapted to cooperate in automatic sequence with a conventionalspot welder to produce a continuous seamwelded wire cloth tube.

Another object is to provide a novel wire cloth tube forming machinewhich may be adjusted to produce seam-welded wire cloth tubes of anydesired length.

Another object is to provide a novel automatic wire cloth tube formingmachine in which parts may be interchanged to provide for the productionof wire cloth tubes of various diameters.

Another object is to provide a method for transforming a continuousstrip of wire cloth into tubular segments of predetermined length.

Other objects are to provide a novel wire cloth tube forming machine forautomatically producing wire cloth tubes of predetermined measurementswhich is sturdy in construction, which may be readily handled byoperating personnel in an efficient manner with minimum instruction,which is adapted to maintain its high rate of production of wire clothtubes for long periods 2 of time under continuous use with normalmaintenance, and which is otherwise adapted to fulfill the objects andadvantages sought therefor.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages are apparent from thefollowing description taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a wire cloth tube forming machine constructedin accordance with the teachings of the present invention, electricwiring and some air hose connections being omitted for purposes ofclarity;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

Fig. 3 is an end elevational View thereof, showing fragmentarily indotted lines a conventional spot welder on which the machine may bemounted and with which it cooperates;

Fig. 4 is a vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view on substantiallythe line 4-4 of Fig. 1, the wire cloth reel being omitted forconservation of space; I

Fig. 5 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantiallythe line 55 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantiallythe line 6--6 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantiallythe line 1-1 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a vertical longitudinal crosssectional View on substantiallythe line 83 of Fig. 1;

jFig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion ofa tube holder at the cut-off end;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged vertical transverse crosssectional view throughan electrode showing its internal water cooling construction, anintegral lug being shown fragmentarily in elevation;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of a segment of a continuous wire clothstrip illustrating the manner in which the strip is formed into acontinuous cylinder;

Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the wire cloth segment shown inFig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a plan View of a wire cloth tube formed by the presentmachine;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged vertical transverse crosssectional view onsubstantially the line !4l4 of vtrical equipment forming part of theactuating mechanism of the present machine; and

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic layout of the pneumatic equipment forming partof the operating mechanism of the present machine.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by the numerals thereon, thewire cloth tube forming machine shown generally as includes a reelassembly I I so mounted as to feed a continuous strip 12 of wire clothto an internal electrode assembly [3 substantially enclosed within aformer assembly M. The strip l2, after being formed into a continuoustube in a manner to be described, is advanced (to the right in the viewsof Fi s. 1 and 2) by a slide and clamp assembly l5, and a portion of thetube is subsequently cut off by the action of a saw assembly Hi. All ofthe above identified assemblies are mounted upon a base [1 secured bybolts [8 to a bracket 19. The bracket [9, shown clotted in Figs. 2 and3, is appropriately secured to a frame member 28 or" an electric weldingapparatus 2|, as shown in Fig. 3.

The reel assembly II includes a bracket appropriately formed from angleiron and secured as by a bolt 25 to a horizontal plate element 2? of thebase ll. Near the end of an upwardly extending arm 28 of the bracket 25,a bolt and nut assembly 29 supports a spacing washer 33 and two reelsides 31 which are separated by a sleeve 32 to form a reel upon which aspool of wire cloth may be mounted so as to permit the drawing off of acontinuous strip I2 therefrom.

Fig. 10 shows the internal electrode assembly 3, which includes anelectrode 35 having a cylindrical portion 35 and a flared portion 31.This electrode 35, which is preferably made of copper, has alongitudinal hole 38 into the end of which is threaded an adapter 39.The adapter 39 has an axial bore 40 extending from its threaded end to apoint 41, the diameter of the bore 48 being substantially equal to thatof the hole 38 in the electrode 35. Beyond the point 4! to the left, asshown in Fig. 10, is a coaxial extension 42 of the bore 48, said coaxialextension 42 being smaller in diameter than the bore 40 and threaded toreceive a tube 43, which extends from its threaded engagement with theadapter 39 concentrically through the bore 48 and substantially to theblind end of the hole 38 in the electrode 35. be secured as by weldinginto the unthreaded end of the tube 43. The purpose of this internalconstruction is to provide cooling means for the electrode 35, it beingunderstood that water 01' other cooling medium may be introduced intothe adapter through a connection 45 which threadedly receives a nipple23 making connection with a coolant tube 24, the water being requiredthereafter to traverse the length of the tube 43 on the inside thereofto return along the outside thereof in the space between the tube 43 andthe wall of the hole 38 and the bore 40 to emerge from the adapter 39through a connection 46 which threadedly receives a nipple 33 makingconnection with a coolant tube 34.

A lug 48 is formed integrally with the electrode 35 to extend upwardlytherefrom as shown in Fig. 10. This lug 48 is substantially rectangularin shape and has a width substantially equal to the diameter of thecylindrical portion 36 of the electrode 35. At its forward edge, whichis to the right in Fig. 10, the lug 48 has a notch 49 on each sidethereof to form a wedge-shaped edge 50 as best shown in Fig. 1.

A tube guide extension rod 5! having a flange An orifice tube, such as44 in Fig. 10, may r 52 equal in diameter to the cylindrical portion 36of the electrode 35 is secured as by threaded engagement to the end ofthe electrode 35 to extend coaxially therefrom. A sleeve 53 and acompression spring 54 are slidably mounted upon the guide extension rod51 and are retained thereon by a collar 55 in threaded engagement withthe free end of the guide extension rod 5|. The outside diameter of thesleeve 53 and of the collar 55 are both substantially equal to theoutside diameter of the cylindrical portion 36 of the electrode 35 andthe maximum diameter of the spring 54 when fully compressed is also nogreater than the diameter of this cylindrical portion 36 of theelectrode 35. It may thus be seen that a tube formed to the outsidediameter of the cylindrical portion 38 of the electrode 35 may beadvanced from the said cylindrical portion 36 to and beyond the collar55.

The internal electrode assembly i3 is mounted in and supported by theformer assembly M which includes a cylindrical-shaped body 60 having abore 6! shaped similarly to the outside of the cylindrical portion 36and the flared portion 3'! of the electrode 35 so as to leave a uniformannular space 52 between the outside of the electrode 35 and the insideor" the bore 6!. The body 60 has a slot 53 surmounted by two parallelrectangular lugs 64 into which slot 63 and between which lugs 94 the lug48 of the electrode 35 is removably secured as by a bolt and nutassembly 22 and locating pins 41, the latter being to maintainappropriate uniformity of the annular space 62. At its forward end,which is to the right in Fig. l, the body 60 has a portion of itscylindrical outside surface cut down to form a flat area 55 having alongitudinal slot 63, the sides of which are tapered as shown in Fig. 7.The former assembly I4 is supported by two strips '6! engaging slots 68in opposite sides of the cylindrical body 65. The strips 6'! are securedas by bolts 89 to upstanding sides 15 of the base H.

A double acting cylinder assembly 15 is disposed horizontally betweenand parallel to the upstanding sides 78 of the base H and is supportedby means of brackets i6 secured to the base element 21 by means of boltsTI. The cylinder assembly 15 includes a piston rod 18 adjustablyattached by means of nuts 74 to a carrier assembly 19 of the slide andclamp assembly l5. The carrier 19 includes a horizontal plate 80, avertical web 8!, and two gussets 82, all in weld ed assembly as bestshown in Figs. 4 and 5. Two parallel strips 83 having transverselyextending portions 84 are secured to the underneath side of the plate soas slidably to engage the transversely extending portions 85 of twoparallel strips 86 secured to the upper edges of the upstanding sides 18of the base ll. The construction of this carrier 19, as best shown inFig. 5, is seen to permit the longitudinal movement of the carrier 19with respect to the cylinder assembly 15 by which it is actuated.

On the upper face of the plate 80 of the carrier 19 are mounted so as tooppose each other two identical clamp assemblies 99. Each clam assembly90 includes a single acting spring return cylinder assembl 9| secured tothe plate 80 by bolts 92. Piston rods 93 having intermediate flanges 94and end flanges 35 to which are secured, as by welding, channel elements95 containing formed cushions 91 of resilient material, such as rubber,all as shown in Fig. 5, coact one 75 with the other to provide aclamping action between the formed faces of the Cushions 91 and thecylinder assemblies 9| Quick exhaust valves 1 IM are connected with thecylinder assemblies 9| by means of bushings I02 and nipples I03. Thequick exhaust valves IOI receive compressed air from air hoses I04connected with the exhaust valve ID! by means of street elbows I05.

The saw assembly I6 includes an air motor I I0 which rotates a spindleIII to which is secured, as by a nut H2 and washers I08 and I09, acircular thin bladed saw H3. The motor H0 is supported in a suitablebracket I adjustably mounted upon a plate I2I. The plate I2I is, inturn, appropriately secured to a slide I22 having I a longitudinalT-slot I23 disposed parallelto the plane of rotation of the saw H3 andslidably engaging parallel strips I24 appropriatel secured to a bedplate I25. The bed plate I25 is secured, as by welding, to horizontallydisposed flanges I26 of angles I21 supported from the sides of theupstanding members 10 of the base I1, being secured thereto by boltsI28.

The saw assembly I6 is caused to move in horizontal translatory movementparallel to the plane of rotation of the saw II3 by a double-acting airoperated cylinder assembly I35. A piston rod I36 of the cylinderassembly I is attached by means of a clevis I31 to a lug I39 projectingfrom the support I20. The cylinder assembly I35 is appropriately securednear one end of the bed plate I25 and is actuatedby compressed airreceived from air hoses I40 and MI at speeds adjustably controlled byspeed valves I42 and I43 connected with the cylinder assembly I35 bynipples I44 and bushings I45. The connection of the air hoses I49 and MIto the speed valves I42 and I43 is by means of check unit connectingassemblies I46, bushings I41, nipples I48 and street elbows I49.

A guard, such as I50, may be provided and appropriately mounted upon thetransverse flange I26 of one of the angles I28 to serve as protectionagainst the rotating saw I I3.

A cut-oil end tube holder I includes in welded assembly an angle memberI56 appropriately secured to the horizontally. disposed flange I26 ofone of the members I21 and a second angle member I51 attached to anupstanding leg I58 of the angle member I56 so as to dispose inhorizontal position a flange I59 of the angle member I51. Also includedin the welded assembly I55 is a sleeve I60 secured to the vertical endedge of the horizontal flange I59. This sleeve I60 is disposedconcentrically with the collar 55 so as to leave an annular space I6Itherebetween. One end of the sleeve I60 coincides with the plane of theend of the collar 55 and also with the near edge of a slot I62 in thehorizontal flange I59, as shownin Figs. 1 and l. A sleeve segment I63having a radius identical with that of the sleeve I60, but extendingthrough an arc of only approximately 90 is also attached to the verticaledge of the horizontal flange I59 adjacent to the side of the slot I62opposite that which coincides with the end of the leeve I60. The sleevesegment I63 has the center of its are in axial extension to the centeraxis of the sleeve I60. It will be seen, then, that the saw I I3 may beadmitted past the forward end of the sleeve I60 into the slot I52, theseelements cooperating to provide an eificient cut-oil means to severpredetermined lengths of thewire cloth'cylinder as such lengths areattained beyond the end of the sleeve I60.

' A compressed air supply is conveyed to the slide and clamp assembly I5by means of an air hose 'I10 connected by means of a check unitconnecting assembly Hi to a nipple I12 engaging the stem portion of a TI13. One of the coaxial ends of the T I13 is connected to one of the airhoses I04 by means of a nipple I14 and an elbow I15. The other coaxialend of the T I13 is connected by means of a nipple I16, an elbow I11 andan-. other nipple I18 to a coaxial end of a second T I19. The othercoaxial end of the T I19 is connected to a nipple I80, in turn connectedto an elbow I8 I, in turn connected to the other air hose I04. The stemportion of the T I19 is connected by means of a nipple I82, a sequencevalve I 83, and a second nipple I04 into the rear end of the cylinderassembly 15. The admission of air into the rear end of the cylinderassembly 15 causes the whole slide and clamp assembly I5 to ,move

forward orto the right in the longitudinal views of the drawings. It maythus be seen that air from a single source, such as the air hose I10,actuates not only the clamp assemblies 90, but also the cylinderassembly 15 in its forward movement. The action of the sequence valveI83 is such as momentarily to delay the admission of air into the rearof the cylinder assembly 15 so that the forward translatory movement ofthe slide and clamp assembly I5 ma be subsequent to the clampingaction-of the clamping assembly 90. When air pressure is released in thehose I10, the consequent reduction of pressure in the quick exhaustvalves IOI permits the air in the cylinder assemblies 9I to be expelleddirectly to atmosphere through the quick exhaust valves IOI, whereuponthe piston rods 93 are retracted by the aforementioned spring means,thus quickly terminating the clamping action of the clamping assemblies90. Compressed air to cause return movement of the slide and clampassembly I5 is supplied through an air hose I90, a check unit connectingassembly I9I, a nipple I92, a speed valve. I 93 and a second nipple I94to the forward end of the cylinder assembly 15.

Fig. 16 shows in diagrammatic form an arrangement whereby compressed airmay be distributed to the various power units of the pneumaticallyoperated wire cloth tube forming machine. Thus, air from an air line 200passes through a filter 20I, a line 202, and thereafter divides to flowin one direction through a line 203, through a lubricator 204, througha, line 205 to a grinder motor 200 which serves as the motor H0 in thesaw assembly I6. From the line 202, air also flows through a line 201,through a regulator and gauge assembly 208, through a line 209, througha lubricator 2I0, and through a line 2I I, whereupon it divides to flowthrough lines 2I2 and2l3 to solenoid operated valves 2I4 and 2 I 5,respectively. The valve 2 I4 controls the supply of air to the powerunits of the slide and clamp assembly I5. Thus, when the valve 2I4 isoperated in one direction, air from the line 2 I2 is conducted to a line2I6 which corresponds to the air hose I10 as best shown in Fig. 1. Whilethe distribution of air from the air hose I10 has been above described,the simple form of Fig. 16 shows a corresponding flow of air from theline 2H5 to divide and flow through lines 2|! and 2|8, through therespective quick exhaust valves I], through lines 22i and 222 to therespective cylinder assemblies 9i. A portion of the air flowing throughthe line 2IS is taken off by a line 223 and passed through the sequencevalve I83, thence through a line 224 to the rear end of the doubleacting cylinder assembly 15. Operation of the valve 2 M in the oppositedirection causes air from the line 2E2 to be conducted by a line 225 tothe forward end of the cylinder assembly 15.

The valve 2E5 controls the action of the double-acting cylinder assembly[35 which causes forward and return movement of the saw assembly [5.Thus, when operated in one direction, the valve 2l5 conducts air fromthe line 2 [3 to a line 225 from which the air passes through theaforementioned speed control valve [43 and through a line 225 to one endof the double-acting cylinder assembly I35. In similar manner, operationof the valve H5 in the opposite direction conducts air from the line 213to a line 221 from which it passes through the aforementioned speedcontrol valve I42 and through a, line 228 to the opposite end of thecylinder assembly I 35.

The sequential operation of the various power units is automaticallycontrolled by an arrangement of electrical circuits as shown in Fig. 15.The diagram of Fig. shows five single pole, single throw, normally openmicro switches, or the like, each of which is appropriately mounted toprovide for its actuation in a predetermined sequence. Thus, a microswitch 240 is mounted so as to be actuated when the spot welder is inretracted position, a micro switch 241 is mounted so as to be actuatedwhen the slide and clamp assembly I5 is in advanced position, a microswitch 252 is mounted so as to be actuated when a the saw assembly is isin retracted position, a micro switch 243 is mounted so as to beactuated when the saw assembly !5 is in advanced position, and a microswitch 24-4 is adjustably mounted so as to be actuated when engaged by afinished portion of the wire cloth cylinder advanced from the machineIG. The switch 240 is supported by a bracket 239 mounted on a non-movingelement of the welding apparatus 2| as shown in Fig. 8. Switches 2, 242,243 and 244 are mounted directly on non-moving elements of the machine50 and may be supported on appropriate brackets such as 245, 246, 24!and 248, respectively, as shown in Figs. 1-3.

The wire cloth tube formin machine abovedescribed forms a continuoustube from a strip of wire cloth having predetermined appropriate widthand mesh. The tube is formed generally in the manner indicated in Figs.11 and 12 to have a substantially circular cross-section as shown inFig. 14. Thus, a strip [2 of wire cloth is drawn from a reel assembly 5I, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and is caused to pass longitudinallythrough the annulus 52 formed between the electrode 35 and the formerbody [50. While passing over the flared portion 3'! of the electrode 35,the strip 12 is caused to assume an intermediate form as shown at 300 inFigs. 11 and 12. The wedgeshaped section 50 of the lug 43 permits edgesSill and 352 as shown in Fig. 11 to be brought together so that, whenthe cloth reaches the cylindrical portion 36 of the electrode 35, theedge 30! has lapped over the edge 302 as shown at 303. The passage ofthe strip [2 is not continuous through "the machine, but occurs bystages as effected by the slide and clamp assembly [5. The tube formedas above described emerges from the forward end of the former body 60and passes over the flange 52 of the guide extension rod 5|, over thesleeve 53, over the spring 54, and over the collar 55. The feedingaction as efiected by the slide and clamp assembly 15 results from theclamping action of the clamping assemblies wherein the formed cushions9'! advance to compress the tube upon the sleeve 53 and the subsequentaction of the cylinder assembly 15, whereby the whole clamping assembly90 is caused to move in translatory movement, thereby causing a forwardmovement of the tube 304 as well as of the sleeve 53 against the actionof the spring 54. When the slide and clamp assembly l5 has advanced tothe forward end of its movement, the clamping action is released and theclamping assembly is returned to its original position, leaving theformed tube 304 in an advanced position. The sleeve 53 is returned bythe action of the spring 54 to its original position abutting the flange52.

Each time the formed tube 304 is brought forward as above described, anelectrode 305 carriedby a movable arm 305 of the welding apparatus 2! iscaused to descend through the slot 66 to rest upon the overlapped edges3! and 302 of the tube at 303. This action of the electrode 305 permitsa welding current to flow therefrom through the overlapped edges 30! and302 to the internal electrode 35, thus effecting a seam weld of theedges 30! and 302. v

The formed and welded tube is thus seen to be advanced by stages until apredetermined length of finished tube such as 304 is brought to extendbeyond the sleeve I50, whereupon the H3 advances to cut off the finishedlength.

As above mentioned, the wire cloth tube forming machine l0 operatesunder air power in cooperation with a conventional electric spot welder,the various movements being sequentially controlled by means ofelectrical circuits. Referring to Fig. 15, if it is assumed that themachine i0 is at rest with the slide and clamp assembly l5, the sawassembly 10, and the welder all in retracted' position, then switches24!, 2:43, and 244 will each be open and switches 240 and 2-2-3 willeach be closed. Now, if the 1l0-v. line is energized, two circuits willbe completed, one through an actuating coil 25i of a single pole doublethrow latch relay 250 and the now closed switch 240 and another throughthe retract side of the solenoid valve 2l4 and through the normallyclosed contacts 252 of the relay The latter circuit is, however,immediately opened by the action of the relay 250 in opening thecontacts 252 and closing normally open contacts 253, which action nowcompletes a circuit through these contacts 253, through the advance sideof the valve 214, and through the now closed switch 242. The consequentadvance of the slide and clamp assembly l5 thus constitutes the firstmechanical response to the electrical control.

Arrival of the slide and clamp assembly i5 at the advanced end of itstravel closes the switch 24! to complete a circuit through a coil 253 ofa two pole, single throw, normally open relay 255. The closing ofnormally open contacts 25? of the relay 255 completes a circuit throughan unlatching coil 254 of the relay 250 and the closing of normally opencontacts 258 of the relay 255 completes a circuit through the welder.With respect to the former of these last-mentioned circuits, it will benoted' that, inasmuch as the actuating coil 25! of the relay 256is'still energized, the energization of the unlatching coil 254 willhave no immediate switching efiect. The energiz'ation of the weldercircuit, however,'has the efiect of initiating a conventional automaticwelding cycle wherein the welder (a welding electrode, to be morespecific) is caused toadvance, to complete the weld, and to retract inpredetermined time sequence.

As soon as the welder leaves its retracted position,'the switch 24%]opens to deenergize the actuating coil 25l oi the relay 256, and thestill energized unlatching coil 256 permits opening of the contacts 253and consequently of the circuit through the advance side of the valve 2M. The latter action is, of course, followed instantly by closing of thecontacts 252, once more to complete the circuit through the retract sideof the valve 2M, thus causing the slide and clamp assembly 15 to beretracted.

As soon as the slide and clamp assembly leaves its advanced position,the switch24i opens to de-. energize the coil 256 of the relay 255. Theconsequent opening of the contacts 251 and 258 opens the circuitsthrough the unlatching coil 254 of the relay 256 and the circuit throughthe Welder respectively. Deenergization of the unlatching coil 254 hasno immediate effect since the relay 2 56 is already in its normalposition, and the opening of the welder circuit does not affectcompletion of the timed welding cycle above described. With the arrivalof .the slide and clamp assembly l at the retracted end of its travel,it is obvious that further operation of the machine ll] must await the"completion of the welding cycle as signified by, the return of thewelder to its retracted position. Upon such return, the switch 246 willagain be closed and the abovedescribed sequence of operation will berepeated again and again until the switch 244 is caused to close byengagement of the finished tube therewith.

Closing of the switch 244 completes a circuit through a coil 2H of a twopole, single throw, normally open relay 260, thus causingnormally open'contacts 262 and 263 to close and respectively to complete a circuitthrough the coil 256 of the relay 255 and a circuit through an actuatingcoil. 266 of a two pole, single throw, normally open latch relay 265.

It is obvious that energization of the coil 2-56 of the relay 255 inthis manner produces the same result as when it was energized throughclosing of the switch 241, i. e., it causes the welding cycle to beinitiated and the unlatching coil 254 of the relay 250 to be energized.Initiation of the welding cycle, as previously described, causes theswitch 240 to open the circuit through the actu-v ating coil of therelay 250, thus opening the contacts 253 and closing the contacts 252 toreverse the valve 214, thereby to effect an immediate retraction of theslideand clamp assembly I5. It is thus apparent that the advance of thefinished wire cloth tube may be halted at any point during the travel ofthe slide and clamp assembly i5 from its retracted position toward itsadvanced position in order to cutoil a desired length of tube regardlessof whether or not the desired length is a multiple of the normal travelof the slide and clamp assembly I5.

When the circuit through the actuating coil 266 of the relay 265 iscompleted as above mentioned, the normally open contacts 261 and 268 arecaused to close and respectively to complete a circuit through theadvance side of the solenoid valve 215 and a circuit through anunlatching coil 21?; of a single pole, single throw, normally open latchrelay 210. Completion of this circuit through the valve 215, of course,causes the saw assembly it to advance toward the now halted wire clothtube to cut oil" a desired length thereof. Upon leaving its retractedposition, the saw assembly 6 permits the switch 262 to open, producingno immediate effect, but serving to preclude subsequent advance of theslide and clamp assembly l5 until the saw assembly I6 is again in itsretracted position. It is, therefore, apparent that the slide and clampassembly may be advanced only when both the saw assembly [6 and thewelder are in their respective retracted positions.

Completion of the above-mentioned circuit through the contacts 268 ofthe relay 265 and through the unlatching coil 213 of the relay 21E]produces an eifect to be described hereinafter. As soon as the desiredlength of finished tube has been severed from its parent stock, theswitch 244-wil1 obviously resume its normally open position, thusdeenergizing the coil 26! of the relay 260 and permitting the contacts262 and 266 to open. Opening of the contacts 262 in turn deenergizes thecoil 256 of the relay 255, thus causing the contacts 251 and 258 to openand results finally in deenergizing both the unlatching coil 254 of therelay 25D and the welder circuit. As before, however, the relay 256 isalready in its normal position and the welding cycle is unaffected byopening of the welder circuit.

Opening of. the contacts 263, of course, deenergizes the actuating coil266 of the relay 265, but the now closed contacts 261 and 268 are notafiected due to their being mechanically latched in closed position, inwhich position they will remain until subsequent energization of anunlatching coil 26!] of the relay 265.

Arrival of the saw assembly [6 at the advanced end of its travel closesthe switch 243 to complete a circuit through-a coil 216 of a two pole,single throw, normally open relay 215. This results in closing normallyopen contacts 211 and 218, the latter of which completes a circuitthrough the above-mentioned unlatching coil 2 69 or the relay 265 andcauses the contacts 261 and 268 to open. Opening of the contacts 261deenergizes the advance side of the valve 2 i 5, while opening of thecontacts 268 deenergizes the unlatching coil 213 of the relay 210, thiscoil 213 having by this time produced an eifect hereinafter to bedescribed.

Closing of the contacts 211 completes a circuit through an actuatingcoil 21l of the relay 216, thus causing normally open contacts 212 toclose and to complete a circuit through the retract side of the valve215. The saw assembly i6 is thus caused to retract from its advancedposition whereupon the switch 243 is again opened. This causes the coil216 of the relay 215 to be deenergized and the contacts 211 and 216 toopen. Opening of the contacts 211 deenergizes the actuating coil 211 ofthe relay 210, but the now closed contacts 212 are not afiected due totheir being mechanically latched in closed position, which conditionwill obtain until the unlatching coil 213 is again energized during asubsequent cycle of events as above-described. Opening of the contacts218 deenergizes the unlatching coil 269 of the. relay 265,- this001126!) having already effected the return of the contacts 261 and 263to their normally open condition.

Arrival of the saw assembly 16 at theretracted end of its travel againcloses the switch 242. If, at, this point, the last instigated weldingcycle has been completed so that the switch 240 is in closed position,it is obvious that the contacts 253 of the relay 259 will also be inclosed position and that closing of the switch 242 will again complete acircuit through the advance side of the valve 2M to again start thesequence of operations above described. If, on the other hand, closingof the switch 242 occurs before the last instigated welding cycle iscompleted, energization of the advance side of the valve 214 will bedelayed until the switch 240 closes to energize the actuating coil 25land close the contacts 253 of the relay 250.

It will be noted that, as this second sequence of operations is begun,the conditions of the electrical circuits of Fig. 15 are similar tothose which obtained at the beginning of the first described sequenceexcept that the contacts 212 of the re.

lay 270 are latched in closed position, thereby causing the retract sideof the valve 215 to remain energized. These contacts 272 will open,however, when the unlatching coil 213 of the relay 21B is energized asabove described. It is thus apparent that the retract side of the valve215 remains energized at all times during which advance of the sawassembly [6 would be particularly detrimental to the desired operationof the wire cloth tube forming machine ID.

The above-described machine, which is capable of forming a tube from anappropriate strip of wire cloth, of cooperating with a conventionalwelder to effect welding of the overlapped edges of the wire cloth thusformed into a tube, and of cutting off portions of the tube to desiredlengths, obviously fulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.It is to be understood that the foregoing description and theaccompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration andexample. It is also to be understood that changes in the form of theelements, rearrangement of parts, and substitution of equivalentelements, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, arecontemplated as within the scope of the present invention which islimited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, an electrode assemblycomprising a welding electrode having a cylindrical portion and a flaredportion, said electrode having a straight longitudinal bore formedconcentricaly with said cylindrical portion and extending through saidflared portion, an adapter connected to said flared portion, a tubeconnected within said adapter and extending therefrom in spacedconcentricity with said bore through said flared portion and into saidcylindrical portion, means to admit a liquid to said adapter, and meansto exhaust a liquid from said adapter, there 'being a path for flow ofliquid from said means for admittance, through said tube, and thereafterwithin said bore externally of said tube to said means for exhaustingthe liquid.

2. In a Wire cloth tube forming machine, in combination, a formerassembly and a welding electrode, said former assembly comprising a bodyhaving an internal bore, said bore including a cylindrical portion and aflared portion, said welding electrode being received in said bore andhaving an external configuration similar thereto, a uniform annularspace between said bore and said electrode, a slot in said body parallelto said bore, said slot communicating with said bore to provide accessof a second welding electrode to a portion of said annular space, and

means to retain said body and said first-m'eritioned electrode in fixedrelative positions.

3. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, means for advancing a wirecloth tube comprising a tube guide extension rod extending coaxiallyfrom a cylindrical portion of a welding electrode, a sleeve slidablymounted on said rod, a spring biasing said sleeve toward said electrode,and a slide and clamp assembly adapted first to embrace a portion ofsaid sleeve so as to effect a clamping action thereupon and thereafterto move said sleeve in a direction away from said electrode.

4. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, means intermittently to advancea wire cloth tube comprising a sleeve about which a portion of a tubemay be slidably disposed, a rod upon which said sleeve is slidable,resilient means biasing said sleeve toward one end of said rod, aplurality of clamping assemblies each having a clamping elementreciprocable normal to said sleeve whereby portions of a tube may bealternately clamped to and released from said sleeve, means toreciprocate said plurality of clamping assemblies parallel to saidsleeve whereby said sleeve and a tube clamped thereto may both beadvanced in a direction against the biasing action of said resilientmeans, and means to coordinate said clamping action and the releasethereof with said reciprocation of the clamping assemblies whereby saidclamping action may be instigated before, and maintained during themovement of said clamping assemblies in said direction of advance andwhereby said releasing action may be instigated before, and maintainedduring the movement of said clamping assemblies opposite to saiddirection of advance.

5. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, a slide and clamp assemblycomprising a carrier, power operated means for reciprocating thecarrier, and a pair of clamping assemblies mounted on the carrier so asto be movable therewith, said clamping assemblies being in opposedrelation one with the other, each including a power operatedreciprocable resilient cushion adapted to engage a portion of a wirecloth tube disposed on a cylindrical sleeve.

6. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, a slide and clamp assemblycomprising a carrier, a double-acting cylinder assembly connected tosaid carrier for reciprocation thereof, a pair of clamping assembliesmounted on said carrier so as to be movable therewith, each clampingassembly including a movable clamping element and a single acting springreturn cylinder assembly connected thereto, means for delivering powerfrom a single source to one end of said double-acting cylinder and toeach of said single acting cylinder assemblies including means to delaysaid delivery to said end of said doubleacting cylinder assembly untilsubstantially after delivery to each of said single acting cylinderassemblies to provide for a desired sequential operation of said slideand clamp assembly in one mode of movement, and means associated withsaid delivery means for a quick release of power from said single actingcylinder assemblies to provide for a second desired sequential operationof said slide and clamp assembly in another mode of movement.

7. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, means for severing a wire clothtube into segments of predetermined length comprising stationary meansto support a tube from the interior thereof, means to advance a segmentof a tube beyond said stationary supporting means, a movable cutaeratorting blade to: sever :a segment tram-saute, and stationary means adaptedto support. a tube including a segment externallythereof during asevering operation, said latter means includinga stationary arcuateelement'disposed oneach side of the plane of said cutting-blade.

8. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, means for severing a wire clothtubeinto segments'of predetermined length comprising means toi support atube from the interior thereof," power operated means for intermittentlyadvancing a supported tube so as to cause a-predetermined length thereofto extend beyond said supporting means, control means cooperating withsaid power operated means to prevent further advance of a tube as longas a predetermined length thereof extends beyond said supporting means,a power operated reciprocable cutting blade adapted to sever a segmentof predetermined length from a tube, control means cooperating with saidreciprocable cutting blade whereby a segment is severed from a tube onlywhen a predetermined length thereof has been advanced beyond saidsupporting means, arcuate shaped means externally of a tube forsupporting both the tube and a segment being severed therefrom, andcontrol means whereby the advance of a tube is resumed subsequentto asevering operation.

9. In a wire cloth tube forming machine comprising means to advance acontinuous strip of wire cloth through a forming assembly wherein theedges of said strip are overlapped, means adapted to cooperate withconventional welding means for seam-welding overlapped edges of a tubeto produce a seam-welded tube, and means for severing predeterminedlengths from a seamwelded tube, in combination, a first power operatedmeans to actuate said advancing means, a, first electrically operablecontrol associated with said first power means, a second power operatedmeans to actuate said severing means, a second electrically operablecontrol associated with said second power means, and an arrangement ofelectrical circuits cooperating with said first and second electricallyoperable means to effect a desired sequential operation of saidadvancing means, said welding means including said means cooperativetherewith, and said severing means, thereby to provide for continuousautomatic operation of said wire cloth tube forming machine.

10. In a wire cloth tube forming machine comprising means to advance acontinuous strip of wire cloth through a forming assembly wherein theedges of the strip are overlapped, means adapted to cooperate withconventional welding means for seam-welding overlapped edges of a tubeto produce a seam-welded tube, and means for severing predeterminedlengths from a seamwelded tube, in combination, a first power operatedmeans to actuate said advancing means, a first electrically operablecontrol associated with said first power means, a second power operatedmeans to actuate said severing means, .a second electrically operablecontrol associated with said second power means, and an arrangement ofelectric circuit elements cooperating electrically with sadi first andsecond electrically operable means and with said conventional weldingmeans and cooperating mechanically with said advancing means, with saidconventional welding means, with said severing means, and with aseamwelded tube to effect a desired sequential operation of saidadvancing means, said welding means including said means cooperativetherewith, and said severing means, thereby to provide for continuousautomatic operation of said' wire cloth tube'forming machine. I g 11. Amethod for. transforming a continuous strip of wire cloth intotubular'segments of pre-, determined length comprising thesteps-ofalter:nately overlapping the edges of a previously determined length of thecontinuous strip to form a previously determined length of tube andbonding. an equal previously determined length of overlapped edges toproduce a continuous bonded tube, interrupting the production ofcontinuous bonded tube when predetermined lengths thereof have beenproduced and severing tubular segments of desired predetermined lengthfrom the bonded tube during the interruption in production.

12. A method for transforming a continuous strip of wire cloth intotubular segments of predetermined length comprising the steps ofadvancing the continuous strip longitudinally through a forming assemblyadapted to overlap the edges thereof to form a tube, retaining the thusformed tube in the forming assembly and supporting the overlapped edgesfrom the interior of the tube, bonding the overlapped edges while theyare thus supported in the forming assembly, advancing the bonded tubebeyond the forming assembly, and severing tubular segments of desiredpredetermined length from the bonded tube.

13. A method for transforming a continuous strip of wire cloth intotubular segments of predetermined length comprising the steps ofintermittently advancing the continuous strip longitudinally through aforming assembly adapted to overlap successive portions of the edgesthereof to form a portion of a continuous tube during each intermittentadvance, bonding successive portions of the overlapped edges while thetube is held stationary between intermittent periods of advance,interrupting the intermittent advancement of the tube when apredetermined length thereof has been bonded, severing a tubular segmentof desired predetermined length from the bonded tube during the periodof interrupted intermittent advancement, and repeating the above cycle.

14. A wire cloth tube forming machine comprising,in combination,stationary forming means including a stationary welding electrode forreceiving a continuous strip of wire cloth and overlapping the edges ofthe same, a reciprocable welding electrode cooperative with said formingmeans and said welding electrode therein for bonding the overlappededges of wire cloth, means for advancing the wire cloth through theforming means, means for reciprocating the reciprocable weldingelectrode, and means for coordinating the advance of the wire cloth withthe reciprocation of the reciprocable electrode, whereby to produce acontinuous wire cloth tube having a rectilinear welded seam.

15. The combination of claim 14 wherein the means for advancing the wirecloth is intermittently operable, and wherein the means for coordinatingthe advance of the wire cloth with the reciprocation of the reciprocableelectrode is adapted to effect alternate advancing movements of the wirecloth and reciprocations of the reciprocable electrode.

16. A wire cloth tube forming machine comprising, in combination, meansfor receiving a continuous strip of wire cloth, means for advancing astrip of wire cloth by intermittent stages longitudinally through saidreceiving means, means in said receiving means for overlapping names '15the edges of a strip of wire cloth during longitudinal advance thereofthrough said receiving means, means in said receiving means adapted tocooperate with conventional welding means to seam-weld overlapping edgesof a strip of wire cloth to produce a seam-Welded tube, means forsevering predetermined lengths from a sea-m welded tube, and means forautomatically controlling said advancing means, said welding means, andsaid severing means automatically to produce a plurality of Wire clothtubes from a strip of wire cloth.

JAMES J. HARMON, JR.

Number Name Date smith et a1 Apr. 21, 1925 Sessions Nov. 8, 1927 RupleyDec. 25, 1928 Richter et a1 Feb. 23, 1932 McDougall May 2, 1933 RectorMay 8, 1934 Dudley June 18, 1935 Quarnstrom Mar. 28, 1939 Widell Apr.21, 1942

